Obituary of Franklin Charles “Hank” Sanders

January 1, 2025

NEW YORK CITY– Franklin (Hank) Charles Sanders, 73, passed away Wednesday, January 1st at his residence, VillageCare.

Hank Sanders was born, January 2nd, 1951, in Oceanside, NY. He graduated from Emerson College, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, which led him to becoming a lifetime entertainer. He retired from the theater business in 2018 after 39 years of service. He decided to enjoy his retirement and finally found a home at VillageCare, where the administration, staff and residents could not have been more enamored by his engaging and fun loving demeanor.

He is survived by his sister Patricia Cotter, (NAUGATUCK, CT) and by his 2 nieces: Cynthia (David) Juarbe (BROOKLYN, NY), Carrie Healy (NAUGATUCK, CT) and 2 nephews: Clinton (Mary) Grant (WATERTOWN, NY), Michael (Lori) Grant (LONG ISLAND, NY); and 5 great nieces (Alyvia, Jocelyn, Teagan, Cassidy and Jaimee and 4 great nephews (Casey, Thomas, David, and Daniel) and 1 great great niece (Amelia). In addition Hank was predeceased by his father, Franklin Sanders Sr. and his mother, Virginia Booth Sanders, his sisters: Virginia Dreyfus and Cynthia Grant, his nephews, Robert Grant and Timothy Healy.

His true family were his many friends that had become family over the years, Sal has been his friend for more than (45) years. He met Sal at the NY Playboy Club where they worked together as bartenders. They continued a deep-seated friendship until his passing. Victor Irving met Hank through Sal, and was one of his greatest supporters, and aided him in his creation of many entertaining acts that he performed. Some of his many friends, colleagues and classmates were Steve and Dave Paymer, Jack Arno, Larry Loonin, Mark Syers, Norman Spiller, Fred Santore who always looked out for Hank’s well being, Bob Mackler, Randy Pratt, Tom Ekwurtzel, Paul Lattimer, Paul Gifford, Jon Terzis ,Eileen O’Connor, Dixon Rosario, Cissy Caspare, Bill Ollan, Peter and Justin Mcmanus and the gang from Mcmanus’. Hank was a true entertainer and friend to everyone.





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